In video: Israeli planes carry out airstrikes on Gaza

June 18, 2018 12:58 P.M. (Updated: June 19, 2018 2:09 P.M.)

GAZA CITY (Ma’an ) -- Israeli military planes carried out several airstrikes targeting sites belonging to the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas in the besieged Gaza Strip, in the predawn hours of Monday.

Israeli news outlets reported that Israeli planes launched two missiles targeting nine sites belonging to the Hamas movement, including the Badr site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades in western Gaza City, and fired at least five rockets targeting al-Safina site in the same area.

Israeli forces also launched two missiles targeting the Tal al-Zaatar site in the northern Gaza Strip.

Locals told Ma’an that sounds of heavy explosions were heard in Gaza City at dawn.

Israeli media reported that sirens sounded in Israeli communities surrounding Gaza, and quoted a source in the Israeli army stating that three rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip onto the nearby settlements, and fell in wide open places with one reportedly exploding inside the Gaza Strip.

Sources added that the airstrikes were in response to the incendiary and explosive balloons and kites being launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip.